The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Hartley calls on full squad to play part in title push
DUNDEE BOSS Paul Hartley has promised his side will be putting the emphasis firmly on attack as they go all out to win the Championship title.
The Dark Blues are ahead of Hamilton on goal difference at the top of the table and two points clear of Falkirk in third place.
Dundee have a gruelling schedule coming up, however.
With a run of six games in just 21 days star ting at Livingston tomorrow, the manager is set to fully utilise his squad during the coming matches.
He insists whoever he sends on to the pitch will be in no doubt about how he wants them to approach the fixtures.
Hartley said: “We have got to go and be positive. They’re all tough games.
“The players have to handle the pressure. This is what it’s all about.
“We’ve got six games in 21 days and, as a player, that’s something I relished. It is just a case of ticking over in training and getting ready for the games.
“I’ve said to the players this morning that we need the full squad and they have all got a part to play.
“There will be changes in-between games because injuries and suspensions could kick in.
“It’s a tough three weeks in prospect. But it will be all-out attack between now and the end of the season. We’ve got to go and makes things happen.”
Hartley has the bonus of going into this crucial period with nearly a full squad to choose from, but he revealed there is a major doubt over Kevin McBride for the Livingston game.
Hartley said: “Craig Beattie is back training but won’t be involved this weekend as he is still a few weeks away.
“Steven Doris could potentially be in the squad for Saturday.
“He played 45 minutes in a bounce game earlier this week.
“Kyle Benedictus is back after picking up something in the Morton game as is Ryan Conroy.
“However, Kevin McBride has a virus and missed training.
“It’s a chest infection, so he’s a doubt. He’s done really well, so it’s a shame.
“We have a lot of games coming up, so we don’t want to risk someone if they are not feeling great.
“We’ve got good replacements, so we’re quite strong in that area — like Iain Davidson, who is champing at the bit.”
Hartley had been keen to bolster his squad with former Blackpool striker Craig Sutherland, who impressed when he played in a bounce game at Morton on Monday.
The manager revealed a problem with red tape has now emerged, however.
Hartley said: “There’s an issue because it’s outwith the transfer window.
“We have to speak to the SFA because he had a trial game for Woking against Luton. There’s something to do with the release papers.
“We are trying to resolve it but it could take time. It’s in the hands of the SFA.
“Effectively, the boy could be out of the game, so we are trying to find a quick solution to it.”